Alderney Notes UK Gambling Policy Changes

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

15 July 2011

Following the announcement by the UK Department for Culture, Music and Sport minister John Penrose that the UK is to implement an extended licensing regime, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) has confirmed that the new policy will not yet impact on remote gamblers licensed in the jurisdiction.

Penrose has confirmed that remote gambling is to be regulated on a point of consumption basis, so that all operators selling into the British market will be required to hold a Gambling Commission licence to enable them to transact with British consumers and to advertise in Great Britain.

The DCMS recently indicated that it is committed to move to licensing of remote gambling at the point of consumption and that primary legislation will be amended to require all operators taking wagers from UK residents to hold a licence or similar form of certification from the UK Gambling Commission. However until the primary legislation is amended in late 2012 at the earliest, it is expected that the status quo will apply. Additionally, the current ‘white list’ will be maintained, though it will be closed to additional jurisdictions.

The DCMS and the UK Gambling Commission have indicated that they intend to implement a regime of jurisdictional equivalence, permitting Alderney licensees a ‘fast track’ into UK licensing as and when that regime is implemented.

According to the AGCC, the extent of regulatory activity undertaken by the UK Gambling Commission in respect of non-UK operators, including those located in the EEA, will depend on the degree to which those operators meet the standards, enforcement, experience and level of cooperation with the UK Gambling Commission.

It was agreed that any announcement by the DCMS will be followed by a process of consultation with the AGCC to clarify the implications of these decisions for Alderney licensees conducting business in the UK.

Executive Director of the AGCC, André Wilsenach, said: “The developments in the UK are good news for Alderney as we are committed to the highest standards of regulation and enforcement, and to the greatest level of cooperation with other regulators.”

A comprehensive report in our Intelligence Report series examining the new possibilities that offshore e-commerce open up for business, and analysing the offshore jurisdictions that have led the way in offering professional e-commerce regimes for international business, with a particular focus on e-gaming, is available in the Lowtax Library at http://www.lowtaxlibrary.com/asp/subs_reports.asp and a description of the report can be seen at http://www.lowtaxlibrary.com/asp/description_report6.asp

TAGS: business | law | United Kingdom | offshore | gambling | licensing | legislation | offshore e-gaming | Alderney | regulation